John Moir (c.1776–1857): A Visionary Landscape Painter of Northumberland John Moir was born around 1776 in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland—the son of the minister of Peterhead and the nephew of James Byres, the famed Scottish antiquarian residing in Rome. His formative years were marked by a profound connection to the rugged beauty of Northumberland, an influence that would permeate his artistic endeavors throughout his life. Early indications suggest he studied at King’s College, Aberdeen, honing his skills before embarking on a journey into Italy where he immersed himself in classical a…